MMA Boxer Döwletjan Ýagshymyradow: What An Honor To Represent My Country Turkmenistan, My People, My Homeland – Interview
By Derya Soysal
In an interview, Döwletjan Ýagshymyradow said that he is proud to represent Turkmenistan, its people and homeland.
Döwletjan Ýagshymyradow, born May 22, 1989, is a Turkmen mixed martial artist who competed in the light heavyweight division of the Professional Fighters League and is currently the light heavyweight champion. He previously competed in Bellator MMA (2020-2023). He also competed in Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) where he was the ACA light heavyweight champion.
This Turkmen champion was born in the town of Turkmenabat, but grew up in a neighboring village. At the age of six, in addition to attending school – he studied at the first comprehensive school in his home village – he enrolled in karate classes. After several years of training, Yagshimuradov became one of the best karate fighters among his peers, winning the under-11 championship and eventually the gold medal at the national-level tournament.
In his interview, he said that representing his homeland Turkmenistan in international tournaments and at the international level is one of his proudest achievements
The boxer answered the following questions:
Could you introduce yourself?
I am Devletjan Yagshimuradov, a national athlete from Turkmenistan. I started practicing sports at the age of 6.
I became a professional athlete at the age of 21 in Ukraine.
Now, I love my job because I do something I am passionate about.
How do you balance competitiveness with respect? What message of peace do you wish to convey?
For me, sports bring people together. That’s why we can say it’s a way to promote peace.
Is sport deeply rooted in Turkmen culture?
Yes, from a very young age, children grow up with sports in Turkmenistan. Sports are truly important in Turkmen culture.
What kind of emotion is it to be a famous Turkmen and to represent your country?
It is a great pride. I am so proud to represent my homecountry, my people, … It’s a wonderful feeling. Being born a Turkmen and representing my homeland on the world stage of sports is an incredible emotion.
Does sport help connect and unite people from different cultures?
Yes, sport allows people from different cultures to connect and bond.
What is your message to the younger generations?
Never give up. Keep going and believe in your dreams.
On social media, you mention the Turkic World. What do you think about the Turkic World? Do you represent the entire Turkic World in your fights?
Yes, absolutely. Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmens… we are one. I represent these people, and unity is strength. It’s the strength of the Turkic World.
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The interview also emphasized the importance of sports, international competition and culture in bringing people together and promoting peace. The interview was conducted during a rapprochement meeting with the famous Turkmen athlete Yagshimuradov at the embassy of Turkmenistan as part of the promotion of peace following the declaration of the year of peace and trust by the government of Turkmenistan.
